City Invites Community To Comprehensive Plan Open House October 7 (Photo) - 10/01/26

The City of Richland is inviting residents, businesses, and community members to an open house on Wednesday, October 7, to learn about and provide input on the City’s draft Comprehensive Plan and proposed updates to the Development Regulations.

The open house will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, in the Doris Roberts Gallery.

Attendees can stop by anytime during the two-hour open house to:

Talk with City staff and consultants from AHBL and Transpo Group about the plan and ask questions.
Explore an interactive map showing current and proposed zoning and land use changes throughout Richland.
Learn more about proposed Development Regulation changes, including changes intended to increase available housing options.
Review the draft Comprehensive Plan and learn about the next steps in the adoption process.
Enjoy refreshments while visiting the different information stations.

Richland is nearing completion of a year-long process to update its Comprehensive Plan, which will provide a 20-year framework for local planning, infrastructure policy, and investment through 2046. The City is also updating its Development Regulations, including its zoning and subdivision codes, to meet state requirements and implement the plan.

Community involvement has been an important part of the update process. Since the project began, residents, stakeholders and agencies have provided input through open houses, community surveys, pop-up events, and other outreach opportunities. The Richland Planning Commission has overseen the planning process.

The October 7 open house provides another opportunity for the community to see how the plan is taking shape, understand proposed changes and ask questions before the formal public hearing process begins.

The Planning Commission is expected to hold the first public hearing on the proposed plan and regulations in late October, with adoption of the Comprehensive Plan anticipated in December 2026. An update to the City’s Critical Areas Ordinance is planned for early spring 2027.

Project information, draft documents, meeting dates, and opportunities to provide comments are available at Richlandwa.gov/CompPlan.

Open House
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Richland Public Library – Doris Roberts Gallery
955 Northgate Drive, Richland

City Announces Boat Launch And Trail Closures For IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities (Photo) - 09/16/26

The City of Richland will temporarily close boat launches, parking areas, and trail access points in preparation for IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities, taking place September 18–20, 2026. Race day is Sunday, September 20.

The following closures are being implemented by the City of Richland to accommodate the racecourse and aid stations:

Leslie Groves Park – Snyder Boat Launch: Closed from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, through 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20. The area is part of the race-day run course.
North Howard Amon Park Parking Lot and Boat Launch: Closed from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, through 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20. The area is part of the race-day run course.
Bradley Boulevard Trailhead: Closed from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, through 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20. The area will serve as a run-course aid station.
River Road at Hains Avenue: Closed from 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, through 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20. The area is part of the run course and will include an aid station.
Columbia Point Marina: Boat launches will be closed Friday, September 18, through Sunday, September 20. The marina parking lot will have limited public access Friday and Saturday and no public access on Sunday, September 20.

Columbia Playfield Parking Lot Now Open

The City is also pleased to announce that the newly improved Columbia Playfield parking lot, located at 1500 Mansfield Street, is now open for public use.  The contractor has completed parking lot striping and installation of parking bumpers, and the project has reached substantial completion. Some remaining work, including the trash enclosure, will continue.

The reopening provides an additional parking option for residents and visitors as Richland welcomes athletes and spectators for IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities and SausageFest this weekend.

Plan Ahead for Race Weekend

These closures are separate from the additional traffic restrictions, road closures and diversions associated with the IRONMAN course. Those traffic-control measures are being coordinated by IRONMAN and its contractors.

Residents and visitors should plan ahead and allow additional travel time throughout race weekend. For information about race-day road closures, course maps, getting around the Tri-Cities, spectator information and other event-related impacts, is the Visit Tri-Cities IRONMAN webpage.

The City appreciates the community's patience and cooperation as Richland welcomes athletes, spectators, and visitors for IRONMAN 70.3 Washington Tri-Cities.

City Of Richland Facilities Closed For Labor Day - 09/03/26

City of Richland facilities will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

Closures include City Hall, the Richland Community Center, Richland Public Library, Horn Rapids Landfill and other City facilities.

Garbage collection will continue on its regular schedule. Residents should place garbage containers at the curb as usual on Monday.

Emergency services, including police and fire response, will continue to operate as usual throughout the holiday.

City facilities will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

For City information and online services, visit richlandwa.gov.